Coverboy: Darren
A model fashionista, Darren takes his look -- and his clothes -- very seriously
It may take Darren, 21, about two hours to get his look together, but that might be because he’s a model. He takes his look very seriously, and does not like to rush. He’s also got to factor in a little time for clothing runs, because while he lives in a small space in Dupont, the three closets full of his wardrobe are back in Northern Virginia with the family. Still, he’s never late. ”I’m always on time,” says the responsible fashionista. ”I get in trouble because I show up early.” When the Russian-born, Virginia-raised Darren isn’t joojing or gyming, look for him at L2 Lounge, Josephine, Cobalt or JR.’s.
What’s on your nightstand?
My alarm clock with iPod. Candles, magazines, gum.
What’s in your nightstand drawer?
Condoms. The remote for the TV. My GPS. More magazines, like GQ. Random stuff.
What are your television favorites?
I’m a big fan of Hot in Cleveland, True Blood and America’s Next Top Model.
What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?
Popeye.
What superhero would you be?
Cyclops. He’s so mysterious behind his sunglasses.
Who’s your greatest influence?
People who are positive, whatever the hardships in their lives.
What’s your greatest fear?
I’m afraid of change. I go through a lot, but I’m always afraid. I try to be positive about it.
Pick three people, living or dead, who you think would make the most fascinating dinner guests imaginable.
Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol and Alexander McQueen.
What would you serve?
Only ramen noodles. They all had a lot of good food. I want to put their minds to people who are poor. It’s always about putting yourself in others’ shoes.
How would you describe your dream guy?
Someone who works out and takes care of his body, his image. Someone who knows how to dress, who can make me laugh, and is sensitive.
Define good in bed.
It’s about compromise. The whole gay world clashes with who is top and who is bottom. Compromise, and make it last long.
Who should star in a movie about your life?
Jude Law. He’s so sophisticated and good looking.
Who was your first celebrity crush?
Mark Wahlberg, when I was growing up.
Who gets on your nerves?
Passive-aggressive models who pretend to be really nice. Deep down, they’re after your job.
If your home was burning, what’s the first thing you’d grab while leaving?
My journal, my laptop and photo album.
What’s your biggest turn-on?
Someone kissing you on the back of the neck.
What’s your biggest turn-off?
Someone who is into feet. I never got that.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t yet tried?
I want to learn to skydive.
What’s something you’ve tried that you never want to do again?
Canoeing with someone. We never agreed which way to paddle.
Boxers, briefs or other?
Boxers.
Who’s your favorite musical artist?
Adele. She sings with her soul.
What’s your favorite website?
Tumblr.
What’s the most unusual place you’ve had sex?
A public restroom.
What position do you play in the big baseball game of life?
Catcher.
What’s your favorite retail store?
In the D.C. area, Sisley or Benetton.
What’s the most you’ll spend on a haircut?
I always get it for $12 at Paul Mitchell school. It’s all about the products.
What about on shoes?
I would spend $480. I don’t know what my limit is. Good quality is pricey.
What’s your favorite food to splurge with?
Nerds. M&M Minnies. Any type of peanut butter.
What’s your favorite season?
Winter. You layer all the clothes. And they sky looks so beautiful.
What kind of animal would you be?
Chameleon. It always adapts.
What kind of plant would you be?
A lily.
What kind of car would you be?
A classic Jaguar.
What are you most grateful for?
The fact that I have a job, wear nice clothes, meet nice people. I’m living every day like it’s my last.
What’s something you want more of?
More positive friends. People not in the modeling world.
State your life philosophy in 10 words or less.
Words are really powerful. Choose them carefully.
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